True love is a rose behind glass
That's locked and kept closed
Maybe just to me
'Cause my heart's been attacked
And shattered by tough love bad love

So I bought mine off the street
True love, man, it just can't be beat
I felt so complete
Married to heavenly bodies above
And each night I'd look up
At a bright honey moon

'Cause it sure seemed built to last
And even after my honeymoon passed
I kept right with it, man
Like a ghost to a house it once haunted

And day after day
I'd steal with my true love away
To some hideout we're left undisturbed
We could do what we wanted
But I started to feel like a liar
Saying I love you

She was madly in love or mad mean
There was no in between it raised my alarm
I found I can't make a stand
I'm her hired hand i have to do harm

One day I got sick
She played me a nasty old trick
Said, "I need cigarettes"
Walked 'round the block caught a cab
Stayed gone for too long
My love had gotten so strong
Just to try being back on my own
I had to go to rehab

All I need is a safe place to bleed
Is this where it's at? Half of no chance
Steps in a dance
Rest of my life spent in combat

Now I'm the king of the ward
'Cause I'm good and I swallow my sword
And puke it out for the doctor
To write me a new prescription
Tranquil as a dove
People that have lost their true love
They all seem to fit the same description

I feel cold, useless and old
I wish I was no one

Take me up, my Lord take me up today
Take me out of this place
Take me up with you today


Lyrics submitted by dragonflower44, edited by lisasays85

True Love Lyrics as written by

Lyrics © CONEXION MEDIA GROUP, INC.

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True Love song meanings
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  • +5
    General Comment

    Im sorry but this is the saddest song ever. I heard a live bootleg of the earlier version of this song and even elliott sounds like he is crying.

    luna13on April 29, 2004   Link

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